ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS
Alzheimer’s disease often referred to as a family disease
You’re not alone when dealing with this illness.
Deanna Harvey-Green was only 26 when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
It was a life changing moment for Deanna and her family. It didn’t seem fair. After coming to terms with the diagnosis, Deanna decided she would do whatever it took to help her mom live well with the disease.
A diagnosis of dementia can be heartbreaking. Often caregivers can feel overwhelmed and may not know where to turn next. Many families in Cape Breton are affected which is why the Alzheimer Society is here to talk about the disease, help with questions that may come up and connect families to programs and services in their community.
Having someone to talk to can mean the world. It can be with me or my colleagues over the phone by calling 1-800611-6345 and some caregivers choose to attend local Alzheimer Society support groups as a way to connect.
The caregiver support groups are a safe, confidential place that anyone caring for someone living with dementia can go. At the meetings, folks can chat about the weather, have a laugh or cry, and most importantly connect
and share strategies with each other over a cup of tea. I think the best part about the support groups are the friendships that are formed with others who are going through a similar journey.
Deanna attended a local support group while she was going through her journey and it made an impact on her.
“I really think it’s important for people to share their experience if they can,” Deanna says. “There are a lot of people going through similar circumstances, more than I ever thought. If you can help one person in any way so they know they aren’t alone, I think that’s important.”
Here are the local support groups available in the area:
Glace Bay Caregiver Support Group Where: Seaview Manor (Sun Room), 275 South Street, Glace Bay.
When: Last Thursday of each month.
Time: 7 p.m.
North Sydney Caregiver Support Group Where: Northside Community Guest Home, 11 Queen Street.
When: Last Thursday of each month.
Time: 7 p.m.
Sydney Caregiver Support Group Where: Harbourstone Facility, Kimberly Hall, Second Floor Chapel.
When: Last Monday of each month (no meetings December, July and August).
Time: 7 p.m.
Deanna and other caregivers are remarkable. They have taught me about the importance of having courage, patience and to live each day to the fullest.
One last piece of advice from Deanna that I think is important to share is that there will be
lots of times that will be hard and frustrating, but every day there will also be something to smile about.